To determine the total change in the oxidation state of manganese in the reaction between potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and potassium iodide (KI) in an acidic medium, we analyze the redox reaction. In acidic solutions, KMnO4 is reduced from manganese in the +7 oxidation state (MnO4-) to manganese in the +2 oxidation state (Mn2+). The change in oxidation state for manganese is:
Initial state: +7 (Mn in MnO4-)
Final state: +2 (Mn2+)
The total change in oxidation state of manganese is calculated by subtracting the final oxidation state from the initial one: Change = +7 - (+2) = +5. This result is a decrease in oxidation state by 5. The computed value of 5 fits perfectly within the provided range of 5 to 5, confirming the solution's accuracy.
